Legal or illegal ?

Sandwich

Out at the driving range the other evening and was wearing a jumper whose sleeves were a little loose and long. By accident the left sleeve caught between my hands a few times as I gripped the club. Being lazy, I just swung away. And in each case i hit good shots, and had the feeling on the backswing of stretching the sleeve, with the result that it inhibited overswinging - an old fault to which I am prone. So I started catching the sleeve deliberately - and the results were excellent.

The question : would doing this in a round be legal, or considered using an artificial aid and so disqualify me ?

Golf Ninja

Sandwich wrote:

Out at the driving range the other evening and was wearing a jumper whose sleeves were a little loose and long. By accident the left sleeve caught between my hands a few times as I gripped the club. Being lazy, I just swung away. And in each case i hit good shots, and had the feeling on the backswing of stretching the sleeve, with the result that it inhibited overswinging - an old fault to which I am prone. So I started catching the sleeve deliberately - and the results were excellent.

The question : would doing this in a round be legal, or considered using an artificial aid and so disqualify me ?

I cant see how anyone would actually realise what you are upto.

So if it works for you keep it up.

pwee

Yes but he would know himself that he was doing it.

One Cold Hand

As your not allowed to add anything to your club to improve your swing (for example a weight, or those moulded grips), I would say it is illegal. However as Ninja said I'd doubt anyone will actually know your doing it, so if your can live with the fact that your cheating(!!!) on your concsious then fire away!!!

On a practical note, surely the consistency would vary from jumper to jumper? I presume the sleaves are slightly different lengths on different jumpers? Would you have to wear the same jumper each time you play?

css1

Maybe you just have to translate this into your practice routine, and then start trying to limit your backswing without using the jumper going forward? As someone who used to overswing like a lunatic, I know how hard the habit can be to kick! But if you found something use it to work it out off the course!

corkandproud

You are cheating, end of.

WHIP IT!

It's illegal, I'm pretty sure of that - but if it works for you in practice, keep it up on the range - it might help to build muscle-memory for when you go out on course.

Golf Ninja

Sandwich wrote:

Out at the driving range the other evening and was wearing a jumper whose sleeves were a little loose and long. By accident the left sleeve caught between my hands a few times as I gripped the club. Being lazy, I just swung away. And in each case i hit good shots, and had the feeling on the backswing of stretching the sleeve, with the result that it inhibited overswinging - an old fault to which I am prone. So I started catching the sleeve deliberately - and the results were excellent.

The question : would doing this in a round be legal, or considered using an artificial aid and so disqualify me ?

I think the boys are being a bit hard on you we all use different things to help us in our quest for a better golf swing.
If you practice with it you should develope the feeling and long term be able to bin the jumper.

dak

I would suggest that you forget about the jumper and lock your right hand grip (assuming you are right handed) further over on your left grip. If you move it to the extreme left you will find that you will feel like you can't swing at all unless you move your body correctly which is what you really want to do.

The Spirit of the Game
Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without
the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the
integrity of the individual to show consideration for other
players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct
themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy
and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how
competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.

The above is and extract from the R&A rules ...its really self regulation and integrity. While it might not be illegal to use your jumper as an aide is it in the true spirit of golf.

Golf Nija's comment about keeping it up if it works as no one might notice IMO is not fully in the true spirit of golf .

Get a lesson, practice and play fairly.

Sandwich

Thanks for the opinions.
I must say, I feel it must be cheating(and have no wish to play that way), but could not quite see where the rules forbid such a situation. The paragraph on sportsmanship probably covers it. The rules forbid the use of an 'artificial device' or 'unusual equipment' but that is hardly your sleeve. But then, where would a 'usual' sweater end and an unusual one specifically designed to assist your swing begin.

No intention of taking the tactic to the course (unless I find categorically that its OK!), but a useful practice device for those of us with the overswinging affliction.

dak

Sandwich wrote:

Thanks for the opinions.
I must say, I feel it must be cheating(and have no wish to play that way), but could not quite see where the rules forbid such a situation. The paragraph on sportsmanship probably covers it. The rules forbid the use of an 'artificial device' or 'unusual equipment' but that is hardly your sleeve. But then, where would a 'usual' sweater end and an unusual one specifically designed to assist your swing begin.

No intention of taking the tactic to the course (unless I find categorically that its OK!), but a useful practice device for those of us with the overswinging affliction.

Fair due to you ! We all wish to be better golfers and if you do become one then you will know that you have earned it through hard work and practice ! And no will will be able to cast a doubt over your integrity! You don't want someone saying you had a rabbit up your sleeve !!

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